Man City target ‘having reservations’ about transfer with two Prem rivals ready to pounce

Manchester City target Martin Zubimendi is apprehensive about the prospect of competing with Rodri at the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.

City are believed to be eyeing Zubimendi with a view to fixing their defensive midfield crisis. Rodri’s ACL injury has left the reigning Premier League champions light in that department, and their form has nosedived as a result.

The Blues undoubtedly have the cash to sign Zubimendi, who has a £49.5million release clause written into his Real Sociedad contract. But convincing the Spanish international is another matter altogether.

And according to The Telegraph, he ‘has reservations’ about potentially playing as Rodri’s deputy once the Ballon d’Or winner returns to fitness. City spent £45m on Kalvin Phillips in 2022, and he was almost permanently consigned to the bench before heading out on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town.

Naturally, as one of the most accomplished passers in Europe, Zubimendi will not want to head down the same path.

And if he decides that heading to City is too big of a risk, Pep Guardiola’s side will be forced to take their midfielder search elsewhere, opening the door for title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal to pounce.

Liverpool found out first-hand in the summer just how difficult it is to tempt Zubimendi away from his boyhood club in San Sebastian. The 25-year-old reportedly ‘gave his word’ to the Reds, only to backtrack and stay in the Basque Country.

While they are still understood to hold an interest in Zubimendi, Liverpool may run into the same problems as City in that the base of their midfield is already occupied by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, who are both playing out of their skin this season.

One thing they can offer over a struggling City side is a chirpy environment, given that Liverpool are dominating the title race.

Arsenal could also enter the fray, having previously shown serious interest in Zubimendi. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta used to play for Sociedad, and he reportedly wants the Spanish club’s outgoing sporting director, Roberto Olabe, to take over from Edu as his new transfer chief next year.

If City lose out to Arsenal or Liverpool, they may look at Atalanta’s Ederson, who is said to have been discussed at length at the Etihad. Recalling Phillips from his loan at Portman Road is not believed to be in the pipeline.